New Delhi, May 29 -- Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday directed all major e-commerce platforms to comply with government guidelines on dark patterns or face regulatory action, in a move aimed at protecting consumer interests.

The minister announced that e-commerce operators must conduct internal audits to identify deceptive user interface designs and submit comprehensive audit reports to the Department of Consumer Affairs.

During a stakeholder meeting attended by representatives from more than 50 e-commerce companies, Joshi emphasised the government's commitment to eliminating manipulative design practices that mislead consumers into making unintended choices.

The minister confirmed that a joint workin...